Court archive
Court reports mentioning Kildare Town, Kildare
2026-07-21 · Kildare
The Court of Appeal declared Osgur Breatnach's 1978 conviction for the Sallins mail train robbery a miscarriage of justice. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, sitting with Mr Justice John Edwards and Mr Justice Paul Burns, granted the certificate based on Breatnach's asserted factual innocence and a newly discovered fact regarding John Fitzpatrick's alibi. The Director of Public Prosecutions did not dispute that Fitzpatrick's alibi constituted a newly discovered fact. Breatnach, who was originally sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Special Criminal Court, had his conviction quashed in 1980 after the Court of Criminal Appeal ruled his confession was obtained under oppression. He spent 18 months in custody before release. In his affidavit, Breatnach stated he had "no hand, act or part" in the robbery, a claim the DPP did not contest. Counsel Patrick Gageby SC argued that Fitzpatrick's alibi, which was never tested in court because Fitzpatrick disappeared before being charged, cast substantial doubt on all related convictions. The court found the threshold for a miscarriage of justice certificate was met. Mr Justice Edwards ordered that costs follow the event, as the applicant was completely successful. Breatnach, speaking outside court, described himself and the other "Sallins Men" as victims of serious crimes and renewed his call for an independent public inquiry into their treatment.
2026-07-06 · Dublin
A Brazilian brothel-keeper, Ilamar Rodrigues Ribeiro, has had his appeal to reduce his prison sentence dismissed by the court. Ribeiro, who operated a brothel network across rural Ireland and laundered €800,000, was arrested at Dublin Airport in 2023 with child abuse material on his phone. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including brothel-keeping, money laundering, and possession of child pornography. The child abuse material, which included images and videos of pre-pubescent children, was described as the most serious category. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a 10-and-a-half-year sentence in 2025, which included consecutive terms. Ribeiro's lawyers argued that the court should have suspended the sentence for the child abuse material due to his lack of prior convictions. However, Mr Justice Paul Burns ruled that the child pornography charge was of a different nature and required a separate sentence. He stated that the court could not ignore the severity of the offence. The investigation into Ribeiro began after two women came forward with trafficking allegations, leading to the identification of multiple properties used as brothels across Ireland.
2026-04-13 · Sligo
Philip Sullivan, a 63-year-old Kildare native, is to be returned to prison after breaching the conditions of his suspended sentence. In 2008, the late Mr Justice Paul Carney imposed two concurrent life sentences on Sullivan for the alleged rape and sexual assault of two young boys, aged nine and 11, between 2004 and 2006. Sullivan appealed this decision, and the Court of Appeal quashed the life terms, substituting them with concurrent 15-year sentences. The final two and a half years of this term were suspended for 10 years on strict conditions, including a prohibition on being in the company of minors. Prosecutors told the High Court that in February, gardai found Sullivan in the company of three teenage boys, aged 15, 16, and 17, at his south Dublin home. While there was no evidence the boys consumed alcohol or cannabis in Sullivan's presence, his association with minors constituted a breach. Sullivan's risk assessment was subsequently upgraded from medium to high. Mr Justice Paul McDermott noted that Sullivan was not candid when confronted by gardai. The judge activated 18 months of the previously suspended sentence, ordering Sullivan's return to custody to ensure public safety and uphold the fundamental tenet of his supervision.
2025-03-26 · Dublin
A 54-year-old Brazilian man has been sentenced to nine years imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his conviction on multiple charges related to operating a brothel network across rural Ireland. Ilamar Rodrigues Ribeiro pleaded guilty to 19 sample counts, including brothel-keeping, using false instruments, and possession of proceeds of crime totalling €788,982 across multiple bank accounts. He also admitted possessing child sexual abuse material on his mobile phone when arrested at Dublin Airport in November 2023. The investigation, led by the Garda Human Trafficking and Co-ordination Unit, identified ten rental properties used as brothels in locations including Longford town, Ballyconnell, Ballymahon, Carrick-on-Shannon, and Ballaghadereen. Judge Patricia Ryan noted the offences involved elaborate planning and premeditation. She imposed a global sentence of ten and a half years, suspending the final eighteen months on strict conditions, with the term backdated to his arrest date.
2025-03-14 · Roscommon
A Brazilian man has pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to operating a network of brothels across rural Ireland using falsified documents and landlord deception. Ilamar Rodrigues Ribeiro, aged 54, rented ten properties under a false Italian identity, with two located in Roscommon Town and others in Longford, Cavan, Leitrim, Carlow, Wexford and Kildare between 2018 and 2023. When arrested at Dublin Airport in November 2023, gardaí from the Human Trafficking and Co-ordination Unit recovered approximately €788,000 in proceeds of crime across multiple bank accounts. He also pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material on his phone comprising nine images and sixteen videos. Ribeiro entered guilty pleas to nineteen sample counts including fraud, inducing landlords to rent properties under false pretences, and possession of criminal proceeds. The investigation began following trafficking allegations from two women who identified properties being misused as brothels. Ribeiro has remained in custody since his arrest. Sentencing proceedings are scheduled for 21 March.
2025-02-07 · Kildare
Calvin Dunne, 24, was convicted of the manslaughter of Dylan McCarthy and violent disorder following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The jury returned a 10-2 majority verdict for manslaughter and a unanimous guilty verdict for violent disorder, acquitting Dunne of murder. Dunne had pleaded not guilty to all charges, alleging self-defence during a melee outside a pub in Monasterevin on August 21-22, 2022. Co-accused Sean Kavanagh, 26, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on Eamon McCarthy, with a charge of violent disorder taken into consideration. Following a defence application, Ms Justice Biggs directed the jury to find Kavanagh not guilty of murder, a charge he had denied. After the verdicts, Ms Justice Biggs remanded Dunne in custody, rejecting his request to remain on bail. Kavanagh was permitted to continue on bail. The matter was adjourned to May 12 to allow time for the preparation of probation reports for both defendants, a Governor's report for Dunne, and Victim Impact Statements from the McCarthy family.
2025-02-06 · Kildare
The jury in the trial of 24‑year‑old Calvin Dunne, charged with the murder of 29‑year‑old Dylan McCarthy outside the Bellyard pub in Monasterevin, has been informed that a majority verdict is now permissible. The case, heard at the Central Criminal Court, involves an incident on 22 August 2022 in which McCarthy was struck on the head by Dunne, who claims he was acting in self‑defence. Witnesses described a "loud thud" when McCarthy was hit, and the State alleges that Dunne delivered a punch and a "vicious kick" to the head. Dunne denies the murder charge and has pleaded not guilty to violent disorder on 21 August 2022. Justice Caroline Burns explained that the jury can now return a ten‑to‑two majority verdict if unanimity cannot be achieved, and the deliberations will continue for a further 30 minutes before the next day's session. The jury remains at its fourth day of deliberation.
2025-02-05 · Kildare
The jury in the Central Criminal Court trial of Calvin Dunne, 24, has continued its deliberations for a third day. Dunne, of Monasterevin, Co Kildare, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dylan McCarthy, 29, on or about August 22, 2022, and to violent disorder on August 21, 2022, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin. The State alleges Dunne punched and kicked McCarthy in the head while he was on the ground. Dunne maintains he acted in self-defence, claiming he lightly kicked McCarthy in the chest. Eyewitness David O'Neill testified that he heard a loud thud and saw McCarthy's eyes roll back after being struck in the head, though he admitted being highly intoxicated and acknowledged it was possible Dunne hit the chest. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs directed the jury that they could find Dunne guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. In a separate matter, co-accused Sean Kavanagh, 26, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on Eamon McCarthy, the deceased's father, at the same location and date. A charge of violent disorder was taken into consideration. Kavanagh had previously denied a charge of murder, to which Ms Justice Biggs directed the jury to find him not guilty. The jury, comprising ten men and two women, was requested to review the transcript of O'Neill's evidence and will continue deliberating tomorrow.
2025-01-31 · Kildare
The jury in the murder trial of 24‑year‑old Calvin Dunne, accused of killing Dylan McCarthy during a melee outside a pub in Kildare on 22 August 2022, will begin deliberations next week. The State alleges Mr McCarthy died after receiving punches and a "vicious kick" to the head from Mr Dunne while he was trying to rise. Mr Dunne claims he acted in self‑defence, stating he was drawn into the fight when Dylan and his party were "out of control and extremely violent." He says he only struck Dylan after Dylan attempted to hit Sean Kavanagh, and that he "lightly kicked" Dylan in what he believed to be the chest area. The jury has heard that a state pathologist could not determine whether a punch or kick caused the fatal injury. Sean Kavanagh pleaded guilty. Calvin Dunne pleaded not guilty.
2025-01-30 · Kildare
The trial of Calvin Dunne, 24, accused of the murder of Dylan McCarthy, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Dunne, of Monasterevin, Co Kildare, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr McCarthy on or about August 22, 2022, and to violent disorder on August 21, 2022, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin. His co-accused, Sean Kavanagh, 26, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on Eamon McCarthy, the deceased's father, on the same date and location; a charge of violent disorder was taken into consideration. The judge directed the jury to find Kavanagh not guilty of the murder charge he had denied. Defence counsel argued that Dunne acted in self-defence and that the jury must acquit if there is any doubt regarding whether Dunne kicked the deceased in the face or chest. The State alleges the kick to the head caused death, while the defence cites pathologist evidence that the cause of fatal injury is indistinguishable. The judge outlined three possible verdicts: guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with the judge's legal charge to the jury continuing.
2025-01-23 · Kildare
In a Central Criminal Court jury hearing, State pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers confirmed that 29‑year‑old Dylan McCarthy died from a traumatic head and spinal injury caused by blunt force trauma, but she could not identify whether a punch or a kick caused the fatal blow. The State alleges McCarthy was assaulted outside a pub in Kildare by Sean Kavanagh (26) and Calvin Dunne (24), who claim self‑defence, and that McCarthy was also involved in the violence that night. Both men pleaded not guilty to murder, violent disorder and, in Kavanagh's case, assault causing harm to McCarthy's father. Dr Okkers described extensive haemorrhaging, brain swelling, and spinal cord damage, noting that CCTV made it impossible to determine the specific blow that caused the fatal injury. The trial will resume next Monday before Justice Caroline Biggs and a 12‑person jury.
2025-01-22 · Kildare
During a Central Criminal Court hearing, an eyewitness described a violent incident in Kildare where 29‑year‑old Dylan McCarthy was struck in the head, leading to his death. The State alleged that McCarthy was punched by Sean Kavanagh (26) and Calvin Dunne (24) before Dunne delivered a "vicious kick" to McCarthy's head while he was attempting to rise. Both men claim self‑defence and that McCarthy was involved in the violence that night. They have pleaded not guilty to murder and to violent disorder, and Kavanagh also pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm to McCarthy's father. The witness recounted hearing a "loud thud" like a football kick and observed McCarthy lying flat on the ground when struck. The trial continues before Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury of ten men and two women.
2024-10-30 · Kildare
A 16‑year‑old girl was gang‑raped by Patrick Kelly (22) and Joseph Byrne (44) in a Kildare town between March and June 2020. The attacks occurred in a car, Byrne's home, and two fields, with the men alternating vaginal, oral and anal rape. The victim, now 21, gave a victim impact statement via video link, describing the men as "the monsters in her dreams" and detailing the physical and emotional pain she endured. Justice Paul McDermott sentenced Kelly to 13½ years, with the final two years suspended, and Byrne to 15 years, both under strict post‑release supervision and prohibited from contacting the victim. The court noted the repeated, non‑consensual nature of the assaults and the victim's vulnerability. The sentencing reflected the severity of the gang‑rape and the men's disregard for her protests. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court. Joseph Byrne pleaded guilty and was convicted.
2024-10-14 · Offaly
Two brothers were sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for the rape and indecent assault of three young children at their family farm in Co Offaly between 1987 and 1989. Neville Moody, 52, of Kildare Town, was convicted following trial of two counts of raping his niece, Charlotte Moody, and one count of indecently assaulting her brother, Kenneth Moody. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo sentenced Neville Moody to a consecutive term of nine years, suspending the final year for two years. His brother, Norman Moody, 53, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecently assaulting Charlotte and one count of indecently assaulting a second niece, Annette Moody. The judge sentenced Norman Moody to a consecutive term of four and a half years, suspending the final six months for six months on strict conditions. The complainants, who waived anonymity, described severe long-term trauma. The judge noted that while both men were minors at the time, the abuse was not innocent experimentation. He acknowledged Neville's lack of insight and Norman's genuine remorse. The sentences reflect the serious nature of the offences against children aged between four and a half and eight years old.
2024-02-12 · Dublin
Adam Murphy, aged 22, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Ian McDonnell on 23 January 2022. Murphy and co‑accused Keith McCormick Smith, also 22, were involved in a spree of vehicle thefts. On the day in question, Murphy stole McDonnell's car while he was at work, drove off with McDonnell on the bonnet, and threw him from the bonnet onto the road where he died shortly after. The court heard CCTV footage of the incident and the subsequent disposal of McDonnell's vehicle. Judge Dara Hayes sentenced Murphy to 12 years' imprisonment, suspending the final 2½ years on strict conditions, and disqualified him from driving for 12 years. McCormick‑Smith received a three‑year, two‑month sentence, with the final 12 months suspended, and a seven‑year driving disqualification.
2023-12-21 · Dublin
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Adam Murphy, aged 22, pleaded guilty to manslaughter after he threw businessman Ian McDonnell from the bonnet of McDonnell's own car while attempting to steal it. Murphy also pleaded guilty to multiple counts of vehicle theft, attempted vehicle theft, property theft and possession of stolen property. His co‑accused, Keith McCormick Smith, also pleaded guilty to similar offences. The court heard that McDonnell was stopped at his business, Ozone Car Sales, and that Murphy and Smith had stolen several cars earlier that day. CCTV footage showed Murphy driving McDonnell's car, accelerating, and throwing McDonnell 46 metres before the car was abandoned. McDonnell was taken to Tallaght Hospital but died on 28 January 2022. The court noted the maximum sentence for manslaughter is life, but the Director of Public Prosecutions suggested a 10‑15 year range. The case was adjourned for finalisation on 12 February.
2023-05-22 · Kildare
A pharmacist, Fiona Rabbitte, has received a redundancy payment of over €22,000 after the Workplace Relations Commission ruled in her favour. The commission rejected Lloyds Pharmacy Ireland's claim that offering her a transfer from Newbridge to Naas was a reasonable alternative to redundancy. Ms Rabbitte had worked at the Newbridge branch since 2003 and was asked to move to the Naas branch in January 2022, which she refused. She argued that the closure of the Newbridge branch triggered her redundancy entitlement, while the firm claimed her employment had not been terminated. Ms Rabbitte explained that the Newbridge location was advantageous to her domestic life and that the Naas position would significantly increase her commuting time due to traffic congestion and the need to attend to her children's school runs. The firm's representative argued that the commute would only be extended by ten minutes and that a once-off compensation sum was offered.
2022-12-12 · Kildare
Michael John Cummins, 22, of Dreenane, Carbury, was sentenced to five years in prison for the anal rape of a teenage friend who was asleep after a house party in County Kildare on 25 November 2018. Cummins pleaded guilty in June 2022. The victim, who chose to remain unnamed, gave permission for Cummins to be named and provided a victim impact statement in which she questioned why he had not pleaded guilty earlier and expressed relief at his eventual admission. The judge noted the profound effect on her life, her fear, and her resilience. Cummins was found to have genuine remorse, and the court imposed a custodial sentence of six years and three months, with the final 15 months suspended on strict conditions, including no contact with the victim and engagement with the Probation Service. The case highlighted the victim's struggle to regain safety and confidence after the assault.
2021-06-04 · Kildare
In the Central Criminal Court, witnesses described a "stand‑off" involving a group of young people and a man carrying a baseball bat on the night of May 16 2014, when 20‑year‑old Joseph 'Jo Jo' Dunne was killed in Naas. Zoltan Almasi, 49, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Witnesses Natasha Kelly, Kristina Augonaiskene, Catherine Fisher, Maureen O'Neill, Ronan Flood, Maria Flood, and Michael Leonard all reported hearing shouting, seeing a man with a bat, and observing a man lying on the ground. Several described the scene as a brief confrontation that ended quickly, with the bat‑bearing man chased away. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Michael White, continues on Tuesday.
2021-05-31 · Kildare
During the murder trial of Zoltan Almasi, witness Michael 'Mikey' McDonagh testified that he placed his jacket under the head of his best friend, Joseph 'Jojo' Dunne, after Dunne was struck with a baseball bat. McDonagh described seeing the bat hit Dunne's back of the head once, though he believed Dunne had been struck twice. He recounted that Dunne was drunk, shouting, and had challenged a "big, tall hairy" man to a fight. The man, later identified as Almasi, allegedly struck Dunne with a bat, causing blood to come from Dunne's ears and mouth. McDonagh said people from a nearby restaurant performed CPR for 20 minutes before Gardaí arrived. The witness left the court during cross‑examination, later returning after a break. The trial continues under Mr Justice Michael White. Zoltan Almasi pleaded not guilty.
2021-01-18 · Kildare
In a High Court judicial review, Keshmore Homes Ltd (KHL) challenges An Bord Pleanala's refusal to grant planning permission for a 64‑unit housing development in Kildare Town. The proposed site, adjacent to an existing residential estate, would include detached, semi‑detached, terraced houses and eight apartments in a two‑storey block. KHL had previously applied for permission, which was denied by Kildare County Council and upheld by An Bord Pleanala in November. KHL argues that the board's decision was flawed, citing failures to consider the developer's submissions, lack of reasons, and an alleged invalid variation of the 2017‑23 Kildare County Development Plan. The developer seeks an order to quash the refusal. Mr Justice Charles Meenan granted permission for the challenge and adjourned the case to March. The hearing is part of ongoing judicial review proceedings.
2019-04-08 · Kildare
Paddy Harty, 45, of Ennis, was on the run when he sexually assaulted a 53‑year‑old woman he met in a pub in Kildare on 23 April 2015. He pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court and was sentenced to four years imprisonment, consecutive to a four‑year sentence for theft and fraud that he had received two months earlier. Harty's appeal against the severity of the sentence was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, which found the total sentence "appropriate". The Court noted that Harty had met the woman in a bar, they had drinks, kissed, and then he drove her to a secluded area known as 'Braveheart Hill'. There he removed her bottom clothing and forcibly held her by the arms. She fled, hid in a thorny bush and called the Gardaí. Harty was identified from CCTV footage and initially denied having met the woman.
2019-03-12 · Dublin
In a Special Criminal Court hearing in Dublin, Michael Brady, aged 54, was charged with nine counts including possession of an assault rifle, ammunition and nearly €3 million worth of drugs. The indictment alleges that on 24 January 2017 Brady was found at Sallins Bridge, Co Kildare, with €1.5 million of cocaine, €1.26 million of heroin, a 7.62 × 39 mm VZ 58 assault rifle and over 180 rounds of ammunition. Brady was arrested after a traffic stop in Naas where he gave a false name, and was later rearrested under the Offences Against the State Act. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, including possession of the rifle, ammunition and the drugs for sale or supply. The case is being heard by Judges Paul Coffey, Gerard Griffin and David McHugh.
2018-03-08 · Kildare
Sean Thackaberry, aged 24, was sentenced to seven‑and‑a‑half years in 2013 for an aggravated sexual assault on Michelle Hennessey, who later took her own life. He was released in June 2017 but failed to attend 12 probation appointments, citing holidays and property viewings, and moved to an unapproved address near Hennessey's family, breaching the Sex Offenders Act. In December 2017 the suspended portion of his sentence was activated, adding three months for an assault committed in custody. Judge Patrick McCarthy noted Thackaberry's drug use and lack of community supervision, deeming further release unsafe. The court therefore imposed the suspended term, effectively extending his custodial period while allowing a chance for rehabilitation. The case highlights the court's decision to protect the community and enforce probation conditions. Sean Thackaberry pleaded guilty.
2018-01-22 · Kildare
Sean Thackaberry, aged 24, was released from Midlands Prison in June 2017 after serving a seven‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for aggravated sexual assault, with the final two‑and‑a‑half years suspended. He has failed to attend 12 scheduled meetings with his probation officer, Dermot Lavin, citing excuses such as holidaying in France, viewing rental properties, being in Dublin, and unverified appendicitis surgery. Thackaberry also moved to an unapproved address near the victim's family, breaching the Sex Offenders Act. The victim, Michelle Hennessy, 26, was assaulted on 30 January 2011 and later took her own life. Thackaberry was recently jailed for three months for an assault committed in custody and remains in custody pending a decision on whether to impose the suspended portion of his sentence. The court noted his non‑attendance as a significant issue and considered reactivating only part of the suspended term.
2016-11-14 · Kildare
Trevor Gleeson, a 36‑year‑old prison officer from Monasterevin, Co. Kildare, successfully appealed a conviction for possessing drugs. In 2009 he was charged with simple possession of controlled drugs and possession for sale or supply at Grey Abbey Road, Kildare Town. A jury found him guilty of five possession counts but could not reach a verdict on the sale or supply charge; a retrial on that charge ended with a jury discharge after late disclosure of CCTV footage. Gleeson received a wholly suspended 18‑month sentence in 2014. The Court of Appeal ruled that the trial judge erred in instructing the jury on the defence of duress and that CCTV footage, which had existed at the time of the first trial, was improperly withheld. The appeal was allowed on those grounds, with no further determination on other issues such as the Garda investigation. The case remains at the appeal stage. Trevor Gleeson pleaded not guilty.
2016-05-09 · Kildare
Trevor Gleeson, 36, of Monasterevin, Kildare, was convicted of possessing €5,791 worth of controlled drugs and was found guilty of possession at Naas Circuit Criminal Court. The jury did not reach a verdict on the charges of possession for sale or supply and dangerous driving, which were later dropped during a retrial. Gleeson was given a wholly suspended 18‑month sentence by Judge Leonie Reynolds on 31 January 2014. His barrister, Damian Colgan SC, has now opened an appeal, arguing that the State suppressed evidence that would have supported Gleeson's claim of acting under duress from associates of a well‑known criminal gang. Colgan cites a CCTV footage that was not provided to the defence in the first trial and claims the State's failure to disclose it led to the dropping of the remaining charges. Trevor Gleeson pleaded not guilty.
2016-03-16 · Kildare
Zoltan Almasi, a 44‑year‑old Hungarian national, was sentenced to life imprisonment on 16 March 2016 for the murder of 20‑year‑old Joseph Dunne, who was struck with a baseball bat at their shared Harbour View address in Naas on 16 May 2014. Almasi pleaded not guilty, but a jury of twelve found him guilty after four days of deliberation. He had been in custody since the offence and had three prior traffic convictions. The court heard CCTV footage of Almasi raising a bat and fleeing the scene, and forensic evidence of a single fatal blow to Dunne's head. Almasi's wife and step‑son had previously lived in Naas but had moved to Canada; his three children live in Hungary. The sentence was back‑dated to his arrest date. The Dunne family delivered victim impact statements describing Joseph as a kind, gentle, family‑loving young man who loved horses and was a devoted son, brother and friend.
2016-03-10 · Kildare
Zoltan Almasi, 44, a Hungarian national living in Harbour View, Naas, was found guilty of murdering 20‑year‑old Joseph Dunne with a baseball bat on 16 May 2014. The Central Criminal Court jury deliberated for 11 hours 13 minutes before returning a majority guilty verdict. Almasi had pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented CCTV footage showing Almasi raising a bat and running away, finger‑print evidence from a white Mercedes van, and eyewitness testimony from Mikey McDonagh, Gavin Breen and nurse Anita Ryan. The post‑mortem confirmed Dunne died from a single blunt‑force blow to the head, consistent with a baseball‑bat strike. Almasi was remanded in custody for sentencing on 16 March 2024. The judge thanked the jury and exempted them from service for 15 years. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
2016-02-25 · Kildare
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that a young Kildare man was 'smacked' at the back of his head by a man wielding a baseball bat after the deceased hit a parked van 'a thump'. Zoltan Almasi (44), of Harbour View, Naas, Co Kildare, is charged with murdering Joseph Dunne at the same address on May 16, 2014. On Monday, Mr Almasi pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Dunne. Today, prosecution counsel Bernard Condon SC called witness Mikey McDonagh, a 20-year-old from Kildare, who testified that he met Mr Dunne and another friend, Gavin Breen, on the night in question. The group met three girls at the harbour in Naas before walking home. Mikey McDonagh stated that Mr Dunne hit the van once with his fist, making 'a noise', and then ran as a man with a baseball bat chased him. The witness described the man as bald and wearing glasses. Mr Dunne was struck at the back of his head and fell to the ground. In cross-examination, Mikey McDonagh agreed that Mr Dunne struck the van more than once. Gavin Breen, 21, also testified, stating that he saw the man strike Mr Dunne with a baseball bat at the side of his head. A teenage girl from Naas testified that she saw the man hit Mr Dunne once on the head, causing him to fall to the ground. The trial continues.
2016-01-18 · Kildare
The jury in the Kildare murder trial of Seamus Morgan, 49, will resume deliberations tomorrow after a brief pause. Morgan, who lives at The Hollands, Athy, is charged with the murder of Laurence Keane, 56, on 19 July 2013. He pleaded not guilty last week at the Central Criminal Court. The jury began deliberating at 11:52 am this morning and had been discussing the case for two hours and 16 minutes when Justice Robert Eagar instructed them to suspend and reconvene at 11 am tomorrow, prohibiting any discussion with outsiders.
2016-01-15 · Kildare
In a Kildare town, Seamus Morgan (49) is charged with murdering Laurence Keane (56) on 19 July 2013. At the Central Criminal Court, Morgan pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsel Orla Crowe BL delivered a closing speech, asserting that the evidence—witness statements, post‑mortem findings of blunt‑force trauma, and accounts of a scuffle—would allow the jury to be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt of Morgan's guilt. She highlighted admissions from Morgan, observations by witnesses Nathan Robinson and Ricky Moriarty, and the post‑mortem report of ten significant blows to Keane's head. Defence counsel Sean Gillane urged the jury to scrutinise the credibility of witnesses and to consider the possibility of false testimony. The trial was scheduled to continue with the judge's instructions on Monday.
2016-01-13 · Kildare
During a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, evidence was presented that CCTV footage from Athy on 18 July 2013 showed Seamus Morgan (49) and the deceased, Laurence Keane (56), walking together in the town centre. Garda Declan O'Dwyer supplied 23 clips, with the first showing Keane entering an off‑licence at 18:50 wearing a hat, a t‑shirt and a stick. Subsequent clips placed the two men on Leinster Street, Barrow Bridge, and St John's Lane between 20:57 and 23:33, with Morgan identified as the man closer to the road and Keane as the one holding a stick. The prosecution argued the fatal attack occurred shortly before midnight on 18 July, between 23:30 and 23:45, and that Morgan was seen entering Marcari's chip shop at 23:33. The trial was scheduled to continue the following day. Seamus Morgan pleaded not guilty.